THE NHS has launched a new campaign to appeal for apprentices in the south east as part of National Apprenticeship Week.
The NHS offers a range of diverse career paths available for people to make a real difference across the service, with more than 2,600 apprenticeships starting in the region last year.
Apprenticeships are a mix of on-the-job training and classroom learning, meaning you can earn while you learn.
Apprentices usually spend four days on a work placement and one day at a training centre or college.
They can take between one and five years to complete and many NHS apprentices are also offered a permanent job at the end of their learning.
National Apprenticeship Week (NAW) is the biggest week in the apprenticeships and skills calendar.
The week brings together everyone passionate about apprenticeships and skills to celebrate the value, benefit, and opportunity that they bring.
This year it takes place from February 10-16.
The South East’s Director of Workforce and Training, Louise Hall said: “Our Apprenticeships offer a viable route into many of the 350 NHS careers available.
“There are a range of opportunities at different levels, meaning no matter your current situation, there’s a place for you.
“You could kickstart your career as a healthcare support worker, or explore one of our fantastic careers in administration, estates or digital.
“It is an apprenticeship with a difference, and that makes a difference.”
Jason Robinson recently qualified as a Learning Disability Nurse through the scheme and works for Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust.
He said: “An apprenticeship gives you the opportunity to study for a qualification while still working.
“Becoming a Learning Disability Nurse fulfilled a dream role I thought I never could achieve, and the apprenticeship allowed this to happen.
“As a mature student an apprenticeship was the only way I would be able to study something to further my skills and knowledge, and still work at the same time.
“My role is full of variety which I love, no day is the same, and I get to work with some incredible people whether that is other healthcare professionals or patients.”
More information is available via: healthcareers.nhs.uk
